Magnatech booming

That's good news for Magnatech Engineering in Tonganoxie, which manufactures equipment to shred various recyclables, including steel and aluminum.

"What has changed in the last year or so is the global economy, and with China and India growing so quickly, they have a very high demand for steel," said Bill Graveman, who owns the business with his wife, Kathy Graveman, and David Wamsley. "And that's pushed the price of steel very high. That's the demand that has really changed things."

The business, which opened in Tonganoxie in 1987, ships its products to roughly 30 countries around the globe.